At Ampersand Inc., we believe that a diverse, and inclusive publishing ecosystem is essential to creating meaningful, representative stories and sustainable cultural change. Our commitment to JEDI principles is embedded in how we work, who we support, and the communities we strive to uplift within the Canadian publishing landscape.
We are dedicated to expanding access to opportunities within the publishing industry for individuals and organizations from underrepresented communities. Each year, we run a ten-week Fellowship Program designed to provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and tangible professional skills to individuals who face systemic barriers to entry in publishing. Through this program, we aim to foster long-term career pathways and increase representation across the industry. The Fellowship Program is headed by Ampersand’s Allyship Team.
Since 2021, our Commissions Donation initiative has been a core part of how we give back. Every month, we select a book by a Canadian BIPOC or LGBTQ+ creator and donate Ampersand’s publication-month commissions directly to a charity chosen by the creator. This initiative centres creators’ voices, redistributes resources, and supports causes that matter to the communities whose stories are being told. It makes up about 35% of our yearly donations.
Further to our Commissions Donations initiative, we make yearly cash donations to Nellie’s, which makes up about 25% of our donations each year. The remaining 40% of our yearly donations are in kind as books donated to the Chum Christmas Wish, Diabetes Canada, and Nellie’s. All donations are managed by Ampersand’s Vice President, Morgen Young.
We also recognize the importance of visibility, access, and connection. To support readers, accounts, and industry professionals alike, we create and maintain free social media resources, including regularly updated lists of diverse-owned bookstores across Canada. These resources are intended to spotlight underrepresented businesses and encourage more equitable engagement throughout the book ecosystem. Social media is managed by our Special Sales & Social Media Manager, Vanessa Di Gregorio and Sales Coordinator, Rachelle Carvalho.
In our day-to-day work, our JEDI program supports publishers from underrepresented communities, particularly those with limited access to traditional publishing infrastructure. We provide financial, strategic, and professional support tailored to their needs, with the goal of strengthening their sustainability and amplifying their impact within the industry. The JEDI program is run by the President, Saffron Beckwith, Vice President Morgen Young, and Operations Manager, Tamara Mair-Wren.
Our commitment to JEDI is ongoing. We understand this work requires accountability, learning, and action—today and in the future. We remain dedicated to listening, evolving, and using our position to help build a publishing industry that is more inclusive, representative, and just for all.
